The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has called for the immediate arrest of a senior member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), accusing him of issuing threats against journalists.

Alhaji Osman Masawudu, the NPP’s Third National Vice Chairman, is alleged to have made threatening remarks during an interview on Kumasi-based Ash FM, warning journalists from Media General not to attend NPP events. His comments have sparked widespread condemnation from media professionals and civil society groups across the country.

The controversy follows a separate incident in which Mr Masawudu was seen in a video forcefully pushing away a microphone belonging to TV3, a Media General affiliate, during an NPP press briefing.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour described the actions as “reckless, repressive and regrettable,” adding that they pose a danger not only to journalists but also to Ghana’s democratic process.

“His actions are not only a threat to human life, they are also a threat to the rule of law and our democracy,” Mr Dwumfour said. “We condemn them in no uncertain terms and call on the NPP’s National Vice Chairman to withdraw his reckless comment and apologise.”

The GJA has also called on civil society groups, the diplomatic community, and international organisations to support their demand for a formal apology from Mr Masawudu.

“If the NPP National Vice Chairman fails to withdraw those reckless comments and threats, we shall hold him responsible for any attack on TV3 reporters at the party’s programme or anywhere close to the party’s office,” Mr Dwumfour warned.

Media General has already lodged a complaint with the police, and the GJA is urging law enforcement to take immediate action.

“The police must not sit unconcerned. They must not wait for the worst to happen before they act,” Mr Dwumfour said. “We call on the Inspector General of Police and his team to immediately invite or arrest the NPP Third National Vice Chairman.”

Source:TheDotNews